Sprague logical pick to lead MGA
He is moving on without moving away. Joe Sprague Jr. can't think of a better way to describe his emotions as he settles in as just the sixth executive director in the 104-year history of the Massachusetts Golf Association.
"I still feel like I'm part of the same family," said Sprague, who had served as executive director of the Rhode Island Golf Association since 1999. "There's a definite comfort level."
Following a search that took more than three months, in early March Sprague was named to succeed Tom Landry, who resigned after an 11-year run with the MGA that was marked by unprecedented growth and aggressive fund-raising endeavors. In Sprague, MGA officials found a director who had guided the RIGA in similar fashion, his leadership highlighted by the founding of a Hall of Fame, additional tournaments, and a commitment to junior golf with the opening of the Button Hole short-course facility.
Like Rhode Island, Massachusetts also has a First Tee facility -- MGA Links at Mamantapett -- and bringing youngsters into the game has become a top priority.
"It's no secret to anyone connected with golf that participation and rounds are down," said Sprague. "Things are flat and it's incumbent upon us in the business to help grow the game."
His love of the game goes back to his junior golf days, which carried over to collegiate participation at Providence College. Sprague caddied on the PGA Tour part of 1989 and all of 1990, his list of employers including Jeff Sluman.
"It was a great experience at a time when I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life," said Sprague, who in 1992 got a call from his father. Joe Sprague Sr. was the executive director of the RIGA and wanted his son to help out.
"He knew I loved the game and knew the game," said Sprague. "Plus, being my father, I think he knew that I'd do what he said."
It turned out to be a great working environment and when his father retired in 1999, Joe Sprague Jr. was the logical choice to take over. Fast-forward eight years and to many, he was the logical choice to succeed Landry, too, but Joe Sprague Jr. wasn't so sure he wanted to change jobs. The more he thought about it, though, the more it made sense, because it wouldn't require family uprooting.
"I've been in the business now for 15 years," said Sprague. "I like to think I know what I'm doing. Through stuff like the Tri-State Matches [an annual tournament involving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut amateur golfers] I've developed a lot of friendships. I know there's a similar mind-set with the golfers from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They're all very enthusiastic about the game."
True, the MGA involves close to 400 clubs as opposed to the RIGA's 47, but so much about the new job feels similar to Sprague.
"I have a lot to do and I've got a lot to put my arms around [with the MGA]," said Sprague, who will maintain residency in Bristol, R.I. 